We are all heartbroken by the news that our wonderful chair Lord Bob Kerslake has passed away after a short battle with cancer.

Bob was an incredible leader with a passionate commitment to our agenda and an unwavering determination to improve people’s lives. He saw clearly the need to combine environmental and social justice with a shift in power to communities – and always encouraged us to be brave and bold in pursuit of this aim. His willingness to support NEF right to the end – playing a pivotal role in helping us to recruit and appoint our new CEO Danny Sriskandarajah – was a mark of his deep commitment to our work. He was delighted that Danny had accepted the role and was looking forward to working with him.

The tributes to Bob over the last week are a testimony to the amazing person he was and the legacy he leaves behind. And we are thankful that we got to see his kindness, compassion, integrity and wisdom firsthand.

Bob had chaired NEF since 2019 and his absence will be deeply felt by all of us. But we will continue to build on the example he set and the legacy he has left. And in the months ahead, we will put in place a fitting tribute to say thank you for everything he has done for NEF and to mark the long-lasting impact he has had. But for now, our thoughts and condolences are with his family in this difficult time.

If you would like to show your support for Lord Kerslake’s family then please make a donation to St Mungos in his memory. This is Bob’s wish in lieu of flowers.

The staff and trustees of NEF